The Chinese mainland and Taiwan, in a further sign of improved ties, will jointly hold the second World Buddhism Forum from March 28 to April 1 this year, a spokeswoman said Wednesday.

The meeting, to be held in the mainland's Wuxi in eastern China's Jiangsu Province for two days and also in Taipei for three days, is expected to draw 1,000 participants from about 50 countries and regions, said Fan Liqing, spokeswoman of the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office.

The theme of this year's forum would be the harmony of the world, said Fan. The participants will take part in 17 sub-forums, and will discuss a wide range of topics including charity, environmental protection, culture, music and education.

"The cooperation between Buddhist circles on both sides of the Taiwan Straits in co-hosting the forum is a sign of the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties, and is a landmark in the exchange of Bhddhist culture between the mainland and Taiwan," Fan said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 25, 2009)